Hager fights for Decorah Workforce office

The Decorah Workforce Development Office and three other satellite offices throughout the state will not be closed, thanks to action by the Iowa Legislature Thursday.

State Representative Bob Hager of Dorchester praised the legislature's action.  "During these tough economic times we need to ensure Iowans have every opportunity to find a job and get back on their feet," said Hager.

Iowa Governor Terry Branstad had vetoed the funding for the Workforce Development program, but an Iowa court overturned that veto.  The state legislature on Thursday restored the nearly $7 million in funding for the remainder of the fiscal year, through June 30th.  Discussions will continue as to next year's budget and funding levels.

Hager floor-managed an amendment to the overall funding bill that gave funding for the four satellite workforce development field offices in Decorah, Fort Madison, Iowa City and Webster City. The agreement specifically provides for a funding allocation for those satellite offices and also includes explicit language to ensure they remain open for this fiscal year.

"I am pleased to have brought forth this measure to keep the Decorah office open and I will continue working with legislators to keep this office open in the future."